A devastating incident on Interstate 25 last week has left a family in deep sorrow following the death of 19-year-old McKenna Angelillo Smith. The young woman from Colorado was a passenger on a motorcycle that was involved in a high-speed crash. The driver of the motorcycle, 21-year-old Jacob Blackman, is now facing charges of vehicular homicide.
Smith had recently returned to Colorado from Florida with the intention of pursuing a degree in criminal justice, according to her mother, Kristen Angelillo Keeser. Despite her immense sorrow, Keeser has shown compassion towards Blackman, acknowledging the complexity of the situation.
The accident took place near the I-70 interchange when Blackman reportedly lost control of the motorcycle. A probable cause statement reveals that he confessed to driving at speeds between 120 and 140 mph in a 55 mph zone and having consumed alcohol earlier that evening. Both Blackman and Smith were ejected from the motorcycle upon collision.
Smith’s family confirmed that she was wearing a helmet and gloves at the time of the accident. Despite this, she tragically passed away from her injuries shortly after being admitted to the hospital. Her death has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew her, especially her mother, who fondly recalls her daughter’s humor and emotional depth.
While Blackman faces vehicular homicide charges, Keeser maintains that anger is not the answer. She empathizes with Blackman, understanding that he is also young and now must deal with the repercussions of the accident.
Keeser has chosen the path of forgiveness as a means of healing, urging others not to let her daughter’s death be meaningless. She hopes that Blackman will find a way to honor McKenna’s memory by making a positive change in his life.
In a message of resilience, Keeser encourages everyone to stay positive, a sentiment she believes her daughter would have echoed. She stresses that the driver must now live with the memory of the crash and hopes he will use this experience to make a positive impact.